University rail requires 23 more acres: report

MICHAEL REED

Published 6:00 pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The light rail alignment for Metro’s University route will require the acquisition of about 23 acres of land, much of it along Richmond Avenue, according to the final environmental impact study on the project.

“Potential acquisitions and displacement are expected at signalized intersections and at some transit stations,” the report said. “Every transit station located on the street will have a traffic signal. Additional right of way will be needed to accommodate left-turn lanes at key signalized intersections.”

The document shows the project will have an impact on 212 parcels of land, and 168 relocations of businesses and residences will be required.

Along Richmond, affected properties extend from roughly the 400 block to the 3800 block.

In all, the study said there will be seven “full acquisitions" along the route. A breakdown by property type shows 103 commercial, 56 residential, 1 religious, 18 mixed-use and 20 vacant properties affected.

Relocation would be required at 100 commercial, 30 residential and 38 mixed-use locations.